Social Security Launches 1st National my Social SecurityWeek

Social Security Launches 1^st National my Social SecurityWeek

In honor of the 79^th Anniversary of the Social Security Act, Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, invites everyone to celebrate the first National my Social Security Week. From August 17 through 23, 2014, Social Security will host numerous events to highlight the many benefits of a my Social Security account, a personalized online account people can establish atwww.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits.

“I am excited about the first National my Social Security Week. A my Social Security account is a convenient, cost-effective and secure way for the public to do business with us from the comfort of their home, office or library,” Acting Commissioner Colvin said.

With a my Social Security account, people can take control of their future by accessing their online Social Security Statement, which is a great financial planning tool that provides workers age 18 and over their complete earnings history and estimates for future retirement, disability and survivors benefits. The Statementallows workers to verify the accuracy of their earnings each year. This is important since earnings are the basis for determining future retirement benefits.  Individuals who currently receive benefits can sign up for a my Social Security account to get an instant benefit verification letter, change their address and phone number, and start or change direct deposit of their benefit payment.

To date, over 13 million people have established an account.  Events during mySocial Security Week include a Twitter chat on “my Social Security and Planning for Your Financial Future;” my Social Security sign-up events nationwide at local churches, libraries, federal government agencies, large employers, youth centers/organizations, senior centers, and colleges and universities; social media outreach including a Thunderclap campaign, and a National radio media tour.

“I am proud Social Security continues to provide world-class customer service that meets the changing needs of the public,” Acting Commissioner Colvin said. “For those who aren’t comfortable with the Internet and prefer to conduct business with us by telephone or face-to-face, we remain committed to maintaining a network of local offices to provide our services.”

For more information, please go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.